Ever since Toyota announced that the Corolla model name was returning to its popular Focus-sized line-up, interest levels have been ramping up. Providing the petrol-hybrid drivetrain and most of the estate car bodywork for Suzuki and its, as yet, unnamed replacement for the Baleno model, also being produced at the Burnaston, Derby factory, Toyota has given the Trek handle to its forthcoming soft-roader.
Following the customary pattern of underbody skid panels front and rear, the ride height of the regular wagon has been increased by 20mm, which is not enough to upset the Corolla’s inherently sound handling envelope but does allow the car to be driven (with care) onto rougher surfaces. The front grille has been revised to a honeycomb pattern but the alloy wheels are now of 17.0-inches diameter, while rear privacy glazing, front foglamps and LED headlamps form the standard offering for the Trek, which is a strictly estate car model.
Intriguingly, the car has arisen from an association with bicycle manufacturer, Trek, and a fleet of 16 examples will accompany the Trek-Segafredo World Cycling Team on its future adventures. Its key rivals come from Ford and Kia, both of which have produced hiked-up ‘off-roadery’ types of cars that do not necessarily have the off-road capabilities of their respective SUVs but offer the space, practicality and convenience of a power rear door, with hands-free operation.
While the Trek legend features on the exterior of the rear door, it is also present on the door sill strips and the cabin benefits from a tough, wool-like new fabric for its seat covers and door cards. As the new Corolla is purely petrol-electric hybrid driven, there exists a choice between the normal and familiar 1.8-litre version that started life in the Prius model, with the much punchier 2.0-litre alternative for buyers demanding the extra verve. In both cases, well over 50mpg should be achievable in normal motoring conditions, along with a reduced tax penalty arising from the hybrid status.
It is interesting that the lightly enhanced versions of regular models should prove to be so popular. Increasing the equipment tally is just part of the package that consumers prefer, because they are not forced to trawl through the options/accessories’ catalogue, when making their choices. That the Trek package arrives ‘fully-formed’ is much to its credit, which makes signing the order form significantly easier.
The Corolla model name is renowned for being THE most popular in the world. Quite why Toyota should have deemed that the previous Auris line-up was more suitable for some markets has not been explained, despite the fact that Toyota continued to badge the car as Corolla for several other markets.
